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Updating previous items, Falcons rookie DE Ra'Shede Hageman has been diagnosed with a bone bruise on his wrist.

It's much better news than the hairline fracture previously reported by ESPN. "Hageman does not have a fractured hand," coach Mike Smith said. "You will see that he will be a full participant in practice today. There was no fracture whatsoever in his hand." Hageman is competing for a starting job in camp. Mon, Aug 4, 2014 01:11:00 PM

Falcons rookie DE Ra'Shede Hageman is believed to have suffered a hairline wrist fracture in practice.

We're starting to feel genuinely bad for the Falcons, who can't catch a break. (No pun intended.) The 37th pick in May's draft, Hageman is being counted on for major snaps as a rookie. It's possible he could put a cast on the wrist and play through it, although hand usage is critical for defensive linemen, and his effectiveness could be affected. Otherwise, it's at least a four-week injury. Sun, Aug 3, 2014 07:14:00 PM

The Falcons have "huge expectations" for second-round DE Ra'Shede Hageman.

The 6-foot-6, 318-pound Hageman reportedly had an impressive spring, showing off his strength. Tyson Jackson is likely locked in as one of the starting defensive ends, especially on running downs, while Hageman competes with Jonathan Babineaux and dark horse Malliciah Goodman on the other side. Hageman should at least carve out a role on passing downs in year one. Tue, Jul 15, 2014 11:32:00 AM

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Updating a previous item, rookie DE Ra'Shede Hageman did not suffer a wrist fracture in Sunday's practice.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Hageman "did not suffer a broken wrist or any broken bones," contrary to an ESPN report. It's a much-needed break for the Falcons' defense, which has already lost ILB Sean Weatherspoon (Achilles') and FS Dwight Lowery (concussions). Hageman was the 37th pick in May's draft.

Falcons rookie DE Ra'Shede Hageman is believed to have suffered a hairline wrist fracture in practice.

We're starting to feel genuinely bad for the Falcons, who can't catch a break. (No pun intended.) The 37th pick in May's draft, Hageman is being counted on for major snaps as a rookie. It's possible he could put a cast on the wrist and play through it, although hand usage is critical for defensive linemen, and his effectiveness could be affected. Otherwise, it's at least a four-week injury.

The Falcons have "huge expectations" for second-round DE Ra'Shede Hageman.

The 6-foot-6, 318-pound Hageman reportedly had an impressive spring, showing off his strength. Tyson Jackson is likely locked in as one of the starting defensive ends, especially on running downs, while Hageman competes with Jonathan Babineaux and dark horse Malliciah Goodman on the other side. Hageman should at least carve out a role on passing downs in year one.

Falcons signed second-round DE Ra'Shede Hageman to a four-year contract.

Hageman, the 37th overall pick, lined up at left end at rookie camp. In the Falcons' transition to a 3-4, we'd expect Hageman to compete with Tyson Jackson and Jonathan Babineaux for the two starting defensive end jobs. Hageman should at least have a role on passing downs right out of the chute.

Falcons second-round pick Ra'Shede Hageman lined up at left defensive end at rookie minicamp.

When the veterans report for OTAs, No. 37 pick Hageman figures to compete with Tyson Jackson and Jonathan Babineaux for the two starting end jobs. Paul Soliai will play nose tackle. Hageman should also figure quickly into DC Mike Nolan's nickel defense with an ability to push the pocket on passing downs.

Hageman (6-foot-6, 310) was a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior, finishing his career with 24 tackles for loss including 13 in 2013, with two sacks, nine batted passes, and two blocked kicks. A converted tight end and freaky athlete for his size, Hageman ran 5.02 with a 35 1/2-inch vertical and 9-foot-6 broad jump at the Combine, to go with 32 bench reps. Hageman flashed dominant ability for the Gophers, but his college tape is maddeningly inconsistent. He'll be a 24-year-old rookie and profiles as a boom-or-bust prospect due to snap-to-snap effort concerns. The Falcons run multiple fronts, so Hageman could play some one technique or even kick out as a five technique. We suspect he'll play the "five" most, as Atlanta's free agency and draft moves suggest a full-time switch to 3-4.

ESPN Chicago expects the Bears to target defensive line with the No. 51 overall pick on Friday.

Beat writer Jeff Dickerson specifically predicts Chicago will select Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman at No. 51, though he could be gone long before then. There are reports teams are expecting a run on defensive linemen at the top of round two. Florida State's Timmy Jernigan may also be in play for the Bears.

One NFL personnel director told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he believes Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman is a "boom or bust."

"He's everything you want but not a very good player," the exec continued. Hageman looks the part at a towering 6'6/310, but his work ethic has been brought into question. "He's raw," one scout said. "He plays high. He plays lazy. He's out of the game more than he's in the game." In a poll of 11 scouts from 3-4 teams, Hageman received five votes as the best 3-4 end in the draft. Hageman will almost certainly be a top-40 selection.

Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman clocked forty times of 4.97 and 5.02 at the NFL Scouting Combine.

A fifth-year senior who'll be 24 as a rookie, Hageman projects as a five-technique defensive end without the requisite explosion to consistently affect the quarterback from the interior. NFL Network's Warren Sapp also observed that Hageman plays too high to be an effective 4-3 tackle. At 6-foot-6, 310, Hageman will need to be a hold-the-point end, likely in a two-gap scheme.